Turning Grief Into Advocacy, Support, and Change

On January 2, our South Carolina birth community lost an extraordinary woman. Dr. Janelle Green Smith was not only a physician, but a fierce advocate, a trusted voice, and a tireless champion for Black birthing families.

Her passing in childbirth is a heartbreaking reminder of why her work mattered so deeply—and why it must continue.

Her Impact on Birth Workers in South Carolina

Dr. Smith poured into birth workers across our region. She educated, challenged, encouraged, and reminded us that birthing people deserve to be heard, respected, and protected. Many doulas, midwives, nurses, and educators—including myself—carry her teachings forward in how we show up for families every single day.

She helped shape a community of professionals who understand that birth outcomes improve when care is culturally competent, evidence-based, and rooted in dignity.

The Reality of Disparities in Black Maternal Health

Black women are still two to three times more likely to die from pregnancy-related causes than white women—even when controlling for education and income. These outcomes are not due to lack of strength, knowledge, or effort from Black mothers. They are the result of systemic inequities, implicit bias, and gaps in support.

Dr. Smith dedicated her life to shining a light on these truths—not to create fear, but to create change.

The Importance of Advocacy

Advocacy saves lives.

It looks like asking questions.

It looks like being informed.

It looks like having someone in the room who will speak up when you are tired, overwhelmed, or dismissed.

Dr. Smith believed deeply in empowering families with knowledge—because informed parents are powerful parents.

The Importance of Support

No one should navigate pregnancy, birth, or postpartum alone. Support matters—from providers, from partners, from doulas, from educators, and from community. Research consistently shows that supported birthing people experience better outcomes, increased confidence, and improved overall well-being.

This was at the heart of Dr. Smith’s work.

Honoring Her Legacy Through Action

In honor of Dr. Janelle Green Smith, I will be offering a scholarship to my Evidence Based Birth® Childbirth Education course for a Black birthing parent or family who may not otherwise have access to this education.

This scholarship is one small way to continue her mission:

Expanding access to evidence-based information Empowering informed decision-making Supporting safer, more respectful birth experiences

Details on how to apply email me @Compassionatecaredoula123@gmail.com subject line Scholarship.

Dr. Smith’s legacy lives on in every conversation we have, every family we support, and every time we advocate for better care. May we continue this work with the same courage, compassion, and commitment she showed every day.

Dr. Janelle Green Smith’s work deeply impacted the birth community across South Carolina. As birth workers serving families in Beaufort, Bluffton, and surrounding Lowcountry areas, we remain committed to continuing her mission by supporting informed, empowered, and supported birth experiences for all families.